Where Do You Place Your Glory?
Everybody loves applause. We enjoy hearing the praise of our performance, getting a pat on the back for a job well done, and even seeing our name up in lights. It feels good to know that we're loved and appreciated for what we do.
But pride is a terrible thing when we place the glory of ourselves before the glory of God. We may know that price is a sin and our talents come from the Lord, but it's hard to fight the desire to hear people brag on us for our good works.
Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24
God doesn't say that it's wrong to be wise, mighty or rich. What He does condemn is the glory given to our own merits when they came from God alone. Yes, you may be a wonderful writer, musician, crafter, mother, wife and church member. These are all wonderful traits to have and use, but do you want the handshake and thank you note or would you rather turn the focus back to the One who gave you the talents to begin with?
If you're going to glory in something, God told Jeremiah to share with the people, glory in knowing Him. Rejoice in having a close, personal relationship with your heavenly Father. Brag on God, about how good He has been in your life. Give a testimony of a time when He was so kind and loving that you could hardly stand the joy overflowing in your heart. Tell of when He cleansed you, changed you and brought you closer to Him.
These moments are His delight, He says. Can you truly grasp how those special times in your life, when He was good and loving and everything you needed, blessed Him just as much as they blessed you? He delights in hearing how much you love and appreciate all He has given, especially when it would be just as easy to take the credit yourself. He knows and understands your heart, and He rejoices when you take the time to know and understand Him, too.
As we begin a new week, let's lay aside the glory that we would normally keep for ourselves. While it may bring us temporary gratification - because who doesn't want a verbal and physical pat on the back? - this glory only lasts for a moment. But giving God the glory and the honor and the praise will lay up another treasure in heaven.
So glory in the Lord, rejoice in knowing Him and celebrate understanding His character a little more every day. What a beautiful way to start the week.
But pride is a terrible thing when we place the glory of ourselves before the glory of God. We may know that price is a sin and our talents come from the Lord, but it's hard to fight the desire to hear people brag on us for our good works.
Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24
God doesn't say that it's wrong to be wise, mighty or rich. What He does condemn is the glory given to our own merits when they came from God alone. Yes, you may be a wonderful writer, musician, crafter, mother, wife and church member. These are all wonderful traits to have and use, but do you want the handshake and thank you note or would you rather turn the focus back to the One who gave you the talents to begin with?
If you're going to glory in something, God told Jeremiah to share with the people, glory in knowing Him. Rejoice in having a close, personal relationship with your heavenly Father. Brag on God, about how good He has been in your life. Give a testimony of a time when He was so kind and loving that you could hardly stand the joy overflowing in your heart. Tell of when He cleansed you, changed you and brought you closer to Him.
These moments are His delight, He says. Can you truly grasp how those special times in your life, when He was good and loving and everything you needed, blessed Him just as much as they blessed you? He delights in hearing how much you love and appreciate all He has given, especially when it would be just as easy to take the credit yourself. He knows and understands your heart, and He rejoices when you take the time to know and understand Him, too.
As we begin a new week, let's lay aside the glory that we would normally keep for ourselves. While it may bring us temporary gratification - because who doesn't want a verbal and physical pat on the back? - this glory only lasts for a moment. But giving God the glory and the honor and the praise will lay up another treasure in heaven.
So glory in the Lord, rejoice in knowing Him and celebrate understanding His character a little more every day. What a beautiful way to start the week.
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